As we start a new year, you may be setting goals to reach by the end of 2025. Your team at Mansfield Dental in Mansfield, TX, is here today to help you accomplish the oral health goals that you may have for the year. Whether you need to get back on track with preventive care, or need to plan restorations to refresh your smile, we have treatments that can help you. In today’s blog, we’re here to talk about treating TMJ dysfunction and bruxism.
Why Are These Conditions A Concern?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that happens when your jaw joints do not hinge properly. This disorder can cause discomfort such as headaches, earaches, jaw pain, and more, because of extra pressure placed on your jaw joints. Many people may ignore their symptoms or try to relieve them with over the counter products because the problem does not seem severe. However, untreated TMD can lead to serious concerns for your oral health and overall well-being. Many patients with TMJ also have bruxism, the chronic grinding of their teeth. Untreated bruxism can wear down your pearly whites and increase your risk of cavities and damaging a tooth.
How An Oral Appliance Can Help
If you have symptoms of bruxism or TMJ dysfunction, it’s important that you talk to your dentist as soon as possible. During your next visit, they may be able to diagnose the condition after a careful examination of your jaw, teeth, and other oral structures. After a diagnosis has been made, your dentist may recommend treatment such as an oral appliance to help relieve your symptoms. An oral appliance, also known as a night guard, can protect your teeth from damage caused by bruxism, as well as help your jaw rest while you sleep. Your oral appliance may be able to bring relief for symptoms like headaches, earaches, tooth sensitivity, and more which can be caused by these disorders.
Restoring Significant Damage From TMD & Bruxism
The goal of an oral appliance is to help your jaw rest properly while you sleep, which can help alleviate symptoms of TMJ. If you chronically grind your teeth as well, the appliance can protect your pearly whites from excessive wear and tear, which can lead to sensitivity and damage. After your symptoms have been reduced, your dentist may recommend additional restorative treatments to refresh your smile. Dental crowns, for example, may be necessary to protect any of your pearly whites that have been worn down or damaged due to chronic tooth grinding. These tooth-shaped caps will cover your dental structures and protect them from further damage.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
The team at Mansfield Dental in Mansfield, TX, is here to help you relieve discomfort from TMJ and protect your smile. To learn more about our treatments, call 817-473-6227 today.
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